March 12, 2018 – NATIONAL GIRL SCOUT DAY – NATIONAL PLANT A FLOWER DAY – NATIONAL NAPPING DAY

MARCH 12, 2018 | NATIONAL GIRL SCOUT DAY | NATIONAL PLANT A FLOWER DAY | NATIONAL NAPPING DAY

NATIONAL GIRL SCOUT DAY

As part of Girl Scout Week, National Girl Scout Day is observed annually on March 12th.

Girl Scouting in the United States of America began on this day, March 12, 1912, when Juliette Gordon Low organized the first Girl Scout troop meeting. At this first troop meeting in Savannah, Georgia, there were 18 girls present. For these girls, Juliette Gordon Low organized enrichment programs, service projects, and outdoor activities and adventures. Since the time of the first meeting, Girl Scouts has grown to over 3.7 million members.

The organization’s original name was the Girl Guides of America

By 1920 there were close to 70,000 members

By 1930 there were over 200,000 members

In 2005 there were over 3.7 million members

Motto“Be Prepared”

Slogan“Do a Good Turn Daily”

“Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.”

HOW TO OBSERVE

In honor of National Girl Scout Day, let’s celebrate all that the Girl Scouts have done to empower girls and what the organization has done for communities across the country.

National Girl Scout Day commemorates the birthday of the Girl Scouts of America. While individual troops and regions have celebrated the anniversary of this day, we were not able to identify when it became an annually observed national day.

NATIONAL PLANT A FLOWER DAY

Spring is just around the corner, and March 12th is the day to participate in National Plant a Flower Day. Each year this day is dedicated to the planting of flowers and looking forward to the spring season. Flower gardening has become a hobby for many, young and old, and National Plant a Flower Day is a start to the new season each year.

Marigolds and Daffodils are the flowers of this month.

It’s good to know the zone you live in to determine which flowers grow as perennials (those that grow back every year) in your area and which are considered annuals (those that require planting every year). To find out more check out the USDA site for Hardiness Zones.

Seeds can be started inside and set in a sunny window. When the weather is nicer, move those plants outside. Keep the soil moist, but not wet and follow the instructions on the seed package for proper germination of the seedling. For those who can’t wait, get out those seed catalogs and start planning your next flower garden.

Flowers always make people better, happier and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine to the soul. ~Luther Burbank, botanist (1849-1926)

Are you in a warmer climate? Then it’s time to get out the trowel and the garden gloves and start turning over some new soil. Sow some new seeds, bulbs or plants and nurture those blossoms into a brilliant blaze for the whole neighborhood to enjoy.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Tips for Starting a Flower Garden

Start with a potted garden. If you aren’t ready to tear up a patch of lawn, this is a good way to go. They do require more watering, but less care overall.

Select plants that grow well in your spot. Some plants grow well in the shade and others prefer the sun. Others love both!

Did you know gardeners who prefer perennial gardens have to thin their flower beds every couple of years? They also like to share the extra bulbs and seeds with those who are new to gardening, so if you know someone with a green thumb, get to know them better. You might get some free plants, advice and a budding friendship!

Local greenhouses stock plants that grow well in your area. Don’t be afraid to ask them questions and shop there frequently.

Let’s all work together by planting a flower and helping make the world a more beautiful place. Use #PlantAFlowerDay to post on social media.

HISTORY

Within our research, we were unable to identify the creator of National Plant a Flower Day.

NATIONAL NAPPING DAY

National Napping Day is observed annually the day following the return of daylight saving time. National Napping Day provides everyone with the opportunity to have a nap and catch up on the hour of sleep they lost due to the spring forward time change.

Mid-afternoon naps are an integral part of most cultures, and scientifically proven to be good for you.

A needed rest can make you feel better and also improve your mood. After having the extra amount of sleep, a person will notice that they will be more productive and energetic.

Numerous studies have shown that short 10-20 minute naps are the most effective when midday fatigue hits. Improvements in alertness, productivity and mood have all been shown to improve with this type of snooze.

Though there are some of us who are just not the napping kind, if you can reap those benefits, find a cozy spot for 10 minutes or so on National Napping Day.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Take a relaxing nap and use #NationalNappingDay to post on social media.

HISTORY

William Anthony, Ph.D., a Boston University Professor and his wife, Camille Anthony, created National Napping Day in 1999 as an effort to spotlight the health benefits to catching up on quality sleep. “We chose this particular Monday because Americans are more ‘nap-ready’ than usual after losing an hour of sleep to daylight saving time,” Anthony said in B.U.’s press release.

On Deck for March 13, 2018

About National Day Calendar

National Day Calendar™ is the authoritative source for fun, unusual and unique National Days! Since our humble beginnings on National Popcorn Day in 2013, we now track nearly 1,500 National Days, National Weeks and National Months. In addition, our research team continues to uncover the origins of existing National Days as well as discover new, exciting days for everyone to celebrate.Whether you want to celebrate your favorite mail carrier and flip flops, share your joy for bacon and chocolate cake or enjoy our office favorite Jody’s Gourmet Popcorn on National Popcorn Day, stay in-the-know by signing-up for our e-mail updates, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Don’t find yourself unprepared for Talk Like a Pirate Day or Answer the Phone Like Buddy the Elf Day – join us as we #CelebrateEveryDay!